Alumni News

The 58th UHM Fashion Exhibition, In the Multiverse, was held on the 30th April at the UHM campus center Ballroom. We had more than 170 attendees, including students’ families and friends, local businesses, and journalists. Fashion students showcased exquisite collections through authentic videographies, museum-formed expositions, and salon-style live model presentations. 

We all appreciate your support!! Please keep tuning in to the FDM Instagram and UH Fashion Show Instagram for updates on the FDM program. @fdm_uhm & @uhmfashionshow

By Minako McCarthy​

Recruiting future students is a vital part of maintaining a healthy college program.  Throughout the year, faculty attend college fairs at local schools and talk to students about a career in the field of fashion.  “Students often have a preconceived idea of what opportunities exist in fashion and college fairs are a good way to help students find a good fit,” Andy Reilly, professor in FDM, said. “Our presence at the college fairs benefit both the student and our program as many of the students aren’t aware that a fashion program exists at UH Manoa,” shared Dr. Cristi-Kim.

Drs. Abby Cristi-Kim and Andy Reilly attended a career and college fair at Farrington High School on April 26, 2024, to talk to potential students about the FDM program.  They estimate they met with about 100 students who expressed interest in learning more about the program and what it can do for them.  Many of the students they talked with had taken, or were planning to take, fashion courses offered at Farrington High School.  The students they talked with said they wanted to be a designer, own their own store, or work in sales.  

Their efforts have paid off as well; 114 students have applied to the FDM program for Fall 2024. 

By Andrew Reily & Abby Cristi-Kim

The FDM 495: Capstone Portfolio class had the great opportunity to talk story with two local fashion designers and entrepreneurs, Summer Shiigi (Ten Tomorrow) and Rumi Roberston (Rumi Murakami label). The two designers discussed their background information, their triumphs, trials, and tribulations in owning a small business. The fashion gurus encouraged our soon-to-be graduates to ask questions in regards to the fashion industry and in owning a small business in this current business climate, what to expect after graduation, as well as what advice they can share with new fashion graduates in a very competitive field. The FDMseniors were thrilled that the designers disclosed their experiences and insights and are grateful to have met with Summer and Rumi. We are truly appreciative to have Summer and Rumi’s unyielding support all these years. They have been the best mentors to FDM students in our internship program, as well as very active FDM Advisory Board members. Mahalo, Summer and Rumi!

By Abby Cristi-Kim

We are excited to announce that we will have the 58th UHM annual fashion exhibition event, titled In the Multiverse,on Tuesday, April 30th, at the UHM Campus Center Ballroom. Three senior and thirteen junior student designers will present their individual and group collections. Unlike ordinary fashion shows, we will showcase their exquisite collections through authentic videographies, a museum-formed exhibition, and salon-style live model presentations.

More details can be found on FDM IG @fdm_uhm and Fashion show IG @uhmfashionshow. 

In addition, we are seeking event sponsors. For more information, contact Haley Locke, Fashion Exhibition Event PR: hlocke@hawaii.edu. —Ticket sales will start on March 25th.

By Minako McCarthy

The news story covers Inferno Tech's quest to develop fire-resistant gear, as reported by Hawaii News Now. The project involves University of Hawaii students, under the guidance of Dr. Shu-Hwa Lin, who recently returned from a NASA competition. They are dedicated to creating a new firefighter's turnout gear that adheres to PFAS-free products. They meet weekly to collaborate on this innovative project. For more detail, please see the full article on Hawaii News Now: LINK

By Shu Hwa Lin​